Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service, not a bundle that automatically gives you Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, or HBO Max. Its U.S. plans include programming from CBS, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and Smithsonian Channel; the higher Premium plan also includes SHOWTIME programming. Hulu offers Paramount+ with SHOWTIME as a separate paid add-on.
What streaming services are included with Paramount+?
None of the other major streaming subscriptions are automatically included. Paramount+ is its own service with a library drawn from Paramount’s brands and studios. Its two U.S. plans both include programming associated with:
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Paramount+ eGift Card | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Paramount+ $25 eGift Card - Standard | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Paramount+ eGift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Fandango Gift Cards, Multipack of 3 - $15 | $45.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Barnes and Noble Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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- BET
- CBS
- Comedy Central
- MTV
- Nickelodeon
- Paramount Pictures
- Smithsonian Channel
The Premium plan includes SHOWTIME programming within Paramount+. That is different from receiving separate subscriptions to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, or HBO Max. Paramount+ describes its plans and programming in its programming guide and explains the combined Paramount+ and SHOWTIME offer in its plan information.
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What can you watch on Paramount+?
Shows, films, and franchises
The service’s examples include Taylor Sheridan series such as 1883, 1923, and Tulsa King, alongside Star Trek, SpongeBob SquarePants, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and titles from its film and television library. Individual titles can rotate, so a brand being part of the service does not guarantee that every title from that brand is available at all times.
#1 Best Overall
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Live channels and sports
Paramount+ advertises NFL on CBS and UEFA Champions League soccer, including what its help page calls “thousands of exclusive soccer matches a year.” That match count is the service’s own description, not an independently verified total. Local CBS feeds and sports availability can depend on plan and location; check the current plan details and local availability before subscribing.
Paramount+ plans and U.S. prices
Tom’s Guide’s 2026 U.S. streaming-price roundup lists these prices for new Paramount+ subscribers. Prices can change, so verify the current rate on Paramount+’s sign-up page before purchase.
Rank #2
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
| Plan | Price reported in 2026 | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year | Ad-supported Paramount+ programming. |
| Premium with SHOWTIME | $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year | SHOWTIME library content, offline downloads, and the live feed of the subscriber’s local CBS station, as described in Tom’s Guide’s 2026 roundup. The plan is generally commercial-free, with exceptions for live TV and some shows. |
The monthly and annual rates above are from Tom’s Guide’s 2026 U.S. roundup. Paramount+ help pages confirm that SHOWTIME programming is part of the higher plan, but still display older prices; use the dated roundup for the figures here rather than those stale amounts. The official price help page is useful for plan context, but current checkout pricing should take precedence.
How Paramount+ compares with other subscriptions
A monthly price alone does not tell you which service is the better fit. Compare the content you actually want, how much advertising you will see, whether live sports or local channels matter, and features such as downloads, simultaneous streams, and video quality. A low entry price may still lead to extra spending if the service lacks a must-watch title or requires an add-on.
Rank #3
- Watch over 40,000 full episodes on demand from hit series like Survivor, NCIS, Big Brother and more
- Get hooked on subscriber-only originals
- Make every night a movie night with blockbuster hits and fan-favorite films
- To Redeem: Go to paramountplus.com/redeem
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
| Service or offer | Price stated in the cited source | Comparison point |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ Essential | $8.99/month; $89.99/year | Ad-supported access to Paramount+ programming and franchises. |
| Paramount+ Premium with SHOWTIME | $13.99/month; $139.99/year | Adds SHOWTIME programming, downloads, and local CBS live feed, as described in the 2026 roundup. |
| Netflix with ads | $8.99/month | Entry-level comparison from Tom’s Guide’s 2026 U.S. roundup; it is a different catalog and package. |
| Prime Video with ads | $8.99/month standalone | Tom’s Guide’s 2026 U.S. roundup lists this standalone price. Prime Video is also available through Amazon Prime, which changes the overall value comparison. |
| HBO Max Basic with Ads | $10.99/month | Warner Bros. Discovery lists this price; Standard is $18.49/month and Premium is $22.99/month. Standard and Premium include live sports; Premium adds 4K on available titles, up to four simultaneous devices (two for sports), and up to 100 downloads subject to limits. |
| Disney+ and Hulu bundle | $12.99/month with ads; $21.99/month Premium | Hulu bills the bundle, with access through separate Disney+ and Hulu apps. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME is a separate paid add-on, not part of the bundle price. |
The competitor prices are not perfectly equivalent packages: ads, included features, billing arrangements, and catalogs differ. The figures for Netflix, Prime Video, and the bundle context come from Tom’s Guide’s 2026 U.S. roundup; HBO Max plan features and rates are listed by the HBO Max Help Center.
How the Hulu bundle and Paramount+ add-on work
Hulu’s Disney+ and Hulu bundle is a separate subscription offer. Hulu says the bundle is billed by Hulu and gives subscribers access through the two services’ separate apps; select Hulu content can also be accessed through Disney+. Hulu lists Paramount+ with SHOWTIME among its paid add-ons. Adding it means paying extra for that offer—it does not make Paramount+ part of the bundle’s base price. See Hulu’s bundle and add-on details for current terms.
Rank #4
- Redemption: Online
- Available for use at your favorite theater, thousands of theaters nationwide via Fandango’s network. Pick your showtime, seat and movie of choice.
- Earn double the reward points – when using Fandango, you can earn VIP reward points for discounts and towards free movie tickets PLUS earn points on with your favorite theater (AMC Stubs, Cinemark Movie Rewards, Regal Crown Club, etc.)
- Perfect gift for the movie enthusiast, holidays, birthdays or just to say thanks!
- Card is redeemable only for purchase of movie tickets and associated convenience fees or purchase or rental of content on Fandango and participating Fandango apps.
Which Paramount+ plan should you choose?
- Choose Essential if the Paramount+ library and sports offerings you want are available on that plan and you are comfortable with ads.
- Consider Premium with SHOWTIME if you want SHOWTIME programming, downloads, or access to your local CBS live feed, and the added monthly or annual cost is worthwhile to you.
- Consider a Hulu add-on instead if you already subscribe to Hulu and want to manage Paramount+ with SHOWTIME through the add-on offer; it remains an extra charge.
Before deciding, check the specific titles and local sports or CBS availability you care about, then compare the total recurring cost of the subscriptions and add-ons you would actually keep.
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Best Value
- Barnes & Noble Gift Cards can be used at any Barnes & Noble store nationwide and at BN.com
- They can also be used at any Barnes & Noble College location
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
